What 6 Cylinder Shed?
Discussion
After a bit of advice please.
Change of vehicular circumstances mean I get a car to myself again
I won't be buying until my birthday in June, so with the sale of my current car and whatever I can try and save in the meantime I should hopefully have about £2k to spend.
I'm really bored of 4 cylinder engines and fancy a change. It won't be used for commuting so MPG isn't a huge worry, although I would like 25+. It'll probably only do 5K miles a year, but must be able to transport four adults and have half decent luggage capacity. It must be pre-2001 to avoid ridiculous tax costs!
I maintain my own cars where I can, so something fairly easy to work on would be nice! Above all it MUST be a good steer, I want to look forward to driving it after a week of being stuck behind the wheel of a van! I'm willing to stick to FWD if it drives well.
If you could please cast your views on my thoughts so far and feel free to add your own. Bear in mind I'll be buying after my 24th Birthday so insurance is a bit of an issue.
BMW 323i E46 - My most likely choice so far. The 323i is about the limit on insurance, may be able to stretch to a 325i. I know they drive well and the engines sound great (IMO). My question regarding these is how spacious is the Coupe and how comfortable are the rear seats? The car I will choose is supposed to be the "Family Car" after shoving my OH out of the Focus and into a Clio! I'd much prefer a Coupe over a Saloon if I could help it!
Alfa Romeo 156 V6 - Lovely looking car, supposed to sound beautiful and interiors look nice. Handling? I've heard they are a bit wallowy and the worries about reliability. Some say myth, but something inside tells me they don't gain a reputation for nothing!
Audi A4 2.4/2.8 V6 Quattro - Not sure if they actually do the 2.4 in Quattro form. Not heard great reviews on the FWD version with regards to handling, but how do 4WD versions cope?
I'm sure there are plenty of good options I've missed, so fire away.
Change of vehicular circumstances mean I get a car to myself again
I won't be buying until my birthday in June, so with the sale of my current car and whatever I can try and save in the meantime I should hopefully have about £2k to spend.
I'm really bored of 4 cylinder engines and fancy a change. It won't be used for commuting so MPG isn't a huge worry, although I would like 25+. It'll probably only do 5K miles a year, but must be able to transport four adults and have half decent luggage capacity. It must be pre-2001 to avoid ridiculous tax costs!
I maintain my own cars where I can, so something fairly easy to work on would be nice! Above all it MUST be a good steer, I want to look forward to driving it after a week of being stuck behind the wheel of a van! I'm willing to stick to FWD if it drives well.
If you could please cast your views on my thoughts so far and feel free to add your own. Bear in mind I'll be buying after my 24th Birthday so insurance is a bit of an issue.
BMW 323i E46 - My most likely choice so far. The 323i is about the limit on insurance, may be able to stretch to a 325i. I know they drive well and the engines sound great (IMO). My question regarding these is how spacious is the Coupe and how comfortable are the rear seats? The car I will choose is supposed to be the "Family Car" after shoving my OH out of the Focus and into a Clio! I'd much prefer a Coupe over a Saloon if I could help it!
Alfa Romeo 156 V6 - Lovely looking car, supposed to sound beautiful and interiors look nice. Handling? I've heard they are a bit wallowy and the worries about reliability. Some say myth, but something inside tells me they don't gain a reputation for nothing!
Audi A4 2.4/2.8 V6 Quattro - Not sure if they actually do the 2.4 in Quattro form. Not heard great reviews on the FWD version with regards to handling, but how do 4WD versions cope?
I'm sure there are plenty of good options I've missed, so fire away.
Both good shouts. I'll have too have a good look at an MG, the interior quality is what bothers me about them.
I'd love a Jag, but its a little bit too grown up for me and I'm a bit worried about the price of parts!
I always wanted a Mondeo ST24, but saw one up close the other day and they haven't aged well at all
I'd love a Jag, but its a little bit too grown up for me and I'm a bit worried about the price of parts!
I always wanted a Mondeo ST24, but saw one up close the other day and they haven't aged well at all
Back seats on all those are not big - but maybe we're just huge.
I'd head for a Merc. Saloon, Coupe, Estate all available at this money. This looked lovely
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
I'd head for a Merc. Saloon, Coupe, Estate all available at this money. This looked lovely
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
That Merc is lovely!
When I say I need rear space, it won't be used regularly for transporting people, most of the time it will just be me, occasionally my OH and Daughter.
It would be nice to have the option to transport 4 Adults in comfort from time to time. So as long as an average sized person could fit comfortably in the back I'd be happy!
When I say I need rear space, it won't be used regularly for transporting people, most of the time it will just be me, occasionally my OH and Daughter.
It would be nice to have the option to transport 4 Adults in comfort from time to time. So as long as an average sized person could fit comfortably in the back I'd be happy!
Rickyy said:
BMW 323i E46 - My most likely choice so far. The 323i is about the limit on insurance, may be able to stretch to a 325i. I know they drive well and the engines sound great (IMO). My question regarding these is how spacious is the Coupe and how comfortable are the rear seats? The car I will choose is supposed to be the "Family Car" after shoving my OH out of the Focus and into a Clio! I'd much prefer a Coupe over a Saloon if I could help it!
You should check one out. I find no issues with space or comfort for adult passengers in the back of my e46 coupe. They are also have the versatility of load through rear seats which is a rare option on the saloon.Oh, don't stick your head in the sand man, shop around for some 330 insurance quotes. Try Sky insurance.
If I was after a shed for £2k i'd not be looking at an E46, or any BMW for that matter. It would be quite easy to buy a car that needed £2k worth of repairs/maintenance. I love BMWs but older ones can eat money just sorting out niggles. Also if the suspension is a bit tired they can be a pig to drive. I say this after having owned 3 older BMWs, although I never spent as little as £2k
My money would be on a Mondeo V6 Zetec S. Plenty around so you can afford to be picky and bargain basement prices. You'll also get a decent spec. Not that fast and thirsty but you'll get that lovely V6 soundtrack.
Alternatively what about a Vectra? Again cheap as chips so your money will go a lot further.
My money would be on a Mondeo V6 Zetec S. Plenty around so you can afford to be picky and bargain basement prices. You'll also get a decent spec. Not that fast and thirsty but you'll get that lovely V6 soundtrack.
Alternatively what about a Vectra? Again cheap as chips so your money will go a lot further.
Devil2575 said:
If I was after a shed for £2k i'd not be looking at an E46, or any BMW for that matter. It would be quite easy to buy a car that needed £2k worth of repairs/maintenance. I love BMWs but older ones can eat money just sorting out niggles. Also if the suspension is a bit tired they can be a pig to drive. I say this after having owned 3 older BMWs, although I never spent as little as £2k
Check out my profile. Cheapest car I've ever bought or run was a leggy 328i touring! Buy right, buy with confidence!
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